Commanding Canadians: The Second World War Diaries of A.F.C. Layard (Studies in Canadian Military History)

Commander A.F.C. Layard, RN, wrote almost daily in his diary, in bold, neat script, from the time he entered the Royal Navy as a cadet in 1913 until his retirement in 1947. The pivotal 1943-45 years of this edited volume offer an extraordinarily full and honest chronicle, revealing Layard's preoccupations, both with the daily details and with the strain and responsibility of wartime command at sea. Enhanced by Michael Whitby's explanatory essays, the diary is a highly personal piece of history that greatly enhances our understanding of the Canadian naval experience and the Atlantic war as a whole. Read more Continue reading Read less REVIEW
"Commanding Canadians is a gripping history of a small part of the Battle of the Atlantic, a fascinating picture of the realities of life at sea and ashore through extended periods of operations and, most valuably, a wonderful case study of leadership. . . . This book is a fascinating read and an interesting guide for personal examination and reflection." -- Canadian Naval Review REVIEW
"There is NOTHING in print anywhere that captures a sense of the whole war at sea from 1939 -- 45, let alone the Atlantic war, like this book. It is a remarkable document, revealing the routine of daily life for a naval officer and providing unique insight into the later stages of anti -- submarine warfare in the Second World War." -- Marc Milner, author of Battle of the Atlantic FROM THE PUBLISHER
"There is NOTHING in print anywhere that captures a sense of the whole war at sea from 1939-45, let alone the Atlantic war, like this book. It is a remarkable document, revealing the routine of daily life for a naval officer and providing unique insight into the later stages of anti-submarine warfare in the Second World War." -- Marc Milner, author of Battle of the Atlantic ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Michael Whitby is Senior Naval Historian at the Canadian National Defence Headquarters. Read more Continue reading Read less